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Total number of posts: 23636
Why reading aloud to your kids matters—even after they've learned to do it on their own
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For many families, reading aloud is a cherished part of childhood—a bedtime story, a favorite picture book, or a well-loved series that unfolds one chapter at a time. But once kids learn to read on their own, many parents understandably ease off. However, Read More...
Ancient humans may have used sunscreen to survive deadly solar radiation
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM With summer around the corner and UV levels on the rise, sunscreen is about to be a seasonal staple for most of us. But if you think the idea of sun protection is a modern invention, think again. New research from the University of Michigan suggests our Read More...
New vagus nerve stimulation treatment shows 100 percent PTSD recovery in early trial
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For millions of people living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), effective treatments can be elusive, and full recovery often feels out of reach. But a promising new therapy developed by researchers in Texas could be changing that narrative—by Read More...
Chimpanzees combine sounds like language pros, revealing surprising vocal complexity
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the lush forests of Taï National Park in Côte d’Ivoire, a remarkable form of communication rings out. Barks, grunts, screams, and hoots echo through the trees—and, as it turns out, these aren't just random noises. Chimpanzees are crafting meaningful Read More...
Scientific societies take charge as U.S. climate report faces political uncertainty
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When leadership falters, science finds a way forward. That’s the message from two of America’s most prominent scientific societies, which have pledged to carry on critical climate research after the Trump administration sidelined the team behind the Read More...
Diabetes deaths decline post-pandemic, marking hopeful progress in U.S. health trends
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM After a sharp rise during the COVID-19 pandemic, diabetes-related deaths in the United States are beginning to fall again, according to new provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The figures suggest a return to a more Read More...
Meet the man who took 200 snake bites so science could strike back
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Tim Friede has been bitten by venomous snakes around 200 times and lives to tell the tale. No, not by accident, but on purpose. By cobras, black mambas, kraits, taipans — you name it. He didn’t do it for shock value, though his story is jaw-dropping. He Read More...
Scientists use living human brain tissue to model Alzheimer’s to accelerate search for the cure
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a world-first, British scientists replicated the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease using living human brain tissue — a leap forward in the global race to understand and treat dementia. This pioneering research, led by a team in Edinburgh, involved Read More...
How to spot a good boss: 3 science-backed tips to guide your next career move
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM If you’ve ever had a bad boss, you’re not alone. Studies show that up to 65 percent of employees would rather switch bosses than get a pay raise, and nearly half of workers who quit say their manager was the reason. That’s not just a workplace gripe. Read More...
Podcast Transcript May 9, 2025: The quiet power of being average + life-sized animal puppets for climate action
Episode Description: Is an average life a failure—or a hidden strength? In this episode of The Optimist Daily’s Weekly Round-up, Arielle spotlights The Herds, a stunning climate art project featuring life-sized animal puppets parading through cities to raise awareness. Then, Karissa explores Read More...